The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for increased and sustainable investment in agricultural research and innovation to address Nigeria’s growing food needs.
Senator Kyari made the call during the 9th Africa Agriculture Science Week in Abuja, where he participated in a high-level ministerial panel discussion on mobilising sustainable financing for agricultural research and innovation.
The Minister noted that Nigeria’s population is projected to approach 400 million, stressing the need for greater investment in science-driven agriculture to increase food production and ensure food security.
He said agricultural research must focus on delivering practical solutions that can boost food production, strengthen climate resilience, create employment opportunities and contribute to economic growth.
Senator Kyari highlighted the ₦1.5 trillion recapitalisation of the Bank of Agriculture under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a major intervention aimed at expanding agricultural financing.
According to him, the Bank of Agriculture currently supports about 500,000 farmers.
The Minister also disclosed that the National Agricultural Development Fund has distributed more than 500,000 bags of fertiliser to over 120,000 farmers, while more than ₦16 billion has been disbursed through on-lending and blended finance initiatives.
Senator Kyari called for stronger collaboration among governments, research institutions, the private sector and development partners to secure long-term financing for agricultural research and accelerate Africa’s agricultural transformation.
He emphasised that sustained investment in research and innovation remains critical to building a productive, resilient and food-secure agricultural sector in Nigeria.
